November 14th

NBADraft.net's Seth Sommerfeld is live blogging/chatting the entire 24+ hours of ESPN's College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon. Throughout the marathon, Seth will be joined by other NBADraft.net writers who will share their thoughts. Join in the conversation with questions and comments.

Hello everyone, this is Michael Visenberg and I would like to welcome you to what I hope will be the first of many NCAA Daily posts! The goal of this new feature is to help keep you up to date on the latest news stories and issues concerning the teams, coaches, and players of college basketball. With the college season starting, we have a lot of solid items to pick from. If you would like to see something examined, please comment and we will do the best we can. Thank you for reading and for your support, here is the very first NCAA Daily:

Marist’s meager front line is hardly a veritable measuring stick, but Davis “looked the part” in his first taste of D1 hoops. Limited to 23 minutes in a 50-point second-half thrashing, he scored 23 points on 10/13 field goals (3/3 FT) with 10 rebounds, 5 blocks and 3 assists. His advanced skill level, game changing defensive presence and agility at 6’10 continue to astound. A more legitimate test will come Tuesday when they clash with Kansas, albeit a diminished version, in the backend of a doubleheader at Madison Square Garden. Mr. Davis, welcome to the big stage.

In his handful of minutes as a Freshman, Trae Golden was expected to run the team and distribute the rock (3 points on 29% shooting) while the scoring burden fell elsewhere. With much of that scoring punch having exited the program, Golden orchestrated an offensive eruption in his first game as a Sophomore. He poured in 29 points in 27 minutes versus UNCG, connecting on 10/14 field goals, 5 of 9 three-pointers and 4/5 free throws. The powerful lead guard wasn’t done, dishing out 9 assists and grabbing 5 rebounds for good measure (2 steals and 1 block). His poor shooting numbers in 2010-2011 were an obvious aberration and it’s encouraging to see him splash the nets.

The mystery that is Jeffery Taylor never seizes to boggle the mind. Taylor looked phenomenal in the Friday night opener versus Oregon, overmatching the Ducks with his athletic ability en route to 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. But true to form with his up and down collegiate career, he was invisible in a shocking home defeat at the hands of Cleveland State (despite the absence of Ezeli). Taylor scored 9 points on a just 8 field goal attempts, turning the rock over six times against the Vikings pressure style. Passivity, poor ball handling and lack of range continue to obstruct his rise to elite status.

Jeremy LambHis spaghetti arms look chiseled, and his game is more complete. Dribble-dribble step back jumpers mixed with explosive takes to the rack, Lamb has put together a package that offers primary scoring tools. He scored 30 in Connecticut's opener, shooting 11-17 on 5-8 from behind the arch. Lamb and UNC's Harrison Barnes are the best perimeter forwards in the country, and should both be in contention for the prestigious National Player of the Year award.

He didn't miss a shot in the opener, going 6-6 from the field and 9-9 from the stripe. He showed impressive rebounding abilities, and should give St. Johns a true interior presence they otherwise wouldn't have.

Atkins scored a career high 27 in Notre Dame's first game, showing impressive quickness and a cleaner stroke from outside. The Irish will need someone else to step up alongside Abromaitis, so this surge is a good sign.

Tra dropped 25 points and 10 assists on Albany Friday night, showing a thorough combination of playmaking and scoring. Woodall will have a more full-time role in the backcourt this season, and should allow Ashton Gibbs to play off the ball where he's more effective.

Dominic Cheek, 6'6 SG, Villanova

Cheek took advantage of his playing time, hoisting up 15 shots and converting on 9. He scored 27 points, hitting five 3 pointers. Cheek should continue to get double digit shot attempts in an offense that's missing a go-to guy.

November 11th

The 2010-2011 season was filled with mid-major schools gaining national notoriety for performances in the 2011 NCAA Tournament and individual player performances throughout the season. Butler (8 seed) and Virginia Commonwealth (11 seed) stunned the country by advancing to the Final Four to face-off against each other for a chance to play in the National Championship Game against Connecticut (3 seed). Butler beat VCU, 70-62, and advanced to the title game, losing to Connecticut, 53-41, in one of the sloppiest National Championship games in recent memory.